The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into a pivotal offseason, and with a potential franchise quarterback in Fernando Mendoza likely on the way, it’s time to start building the right supporting cast around him. That includes taking a hard look at the wide receiver room - and one intriguing name may have just become available in a very public, very messy way: Keon Coleman.
Let’s set the stage. The Raiders currently have some young talent at wideout, but no one proven enough to be a true difference-maker alongside Davante Adams.
Tre Tucker has shown flashes, but he profiles more as a role player. Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton are still developing, and while they’ve got upside, they’re not yet ready to shoulder a major load.
So the Raiders should absolutely be in the market for a wide receiver with untapped potential - especially if the price is right.
Enter Keon Coleman, who just became the center of a surprising bit of front office drama in Buffalo.
A Rocky Road in Buffalo
On Wednesday morning, Bills owner Terry Pegula made headlines with a blunt revelation: the coaching staff, not general manager Brandon Beane, pushed for drafting Keon Coleman. Pegula went so far as to say Beane was just “being a team player” when he went along with the pick - a rare and unusually candid admission that essentially threw cold water on any remaining trade leverage Buffalo might’ve had.
It’s the kind of comment that doesn’t just raise eyebrows - it all but signals the end of Coleman’s time in Buffalo. And if the Bills are ready to move on, the Raiders should be ready to move in.
Still Young, Still Talented
Let’s not forget: Coleman was the 33rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. That’s early second-round capital, and for good reason.
He was a standout in college, splitting time between Michigan State and Florida State, where he posted 11 touchdowns in 2023. He made a name for himself as a big-bodied, contested-catch specialist - the kind of receiver who thrives in the red zone and wins with physicality, not finesse.
His 4.57-second 40-yard dash at the Combine didn’t shock evaluators. Speed was never the selling point.
Instead, his game drew comparisons to players like Drake London, Anquan Boldin, and Allen Robinson - physical wideouts who use size, strength, and body control to win battles. That’s a valuable archetype in today’s NFL, especially for a young quarterback who needs reliable targets in tight windows.
But so far, Coleman’s NFL career hasn’t taken off. He’s been a healthy scratch in multiple games, and there’s been chatter that he hasn’t met expectations behind the scenes.
Whether that’s about effort, scheme fit, or something else, the bottom line is clear: he hasn’t carved out a role in Buffalo. And now, the team’s owner has made it abundantly clear they’re ready to move on.
A Fresh Start in the Desert?
Here’s where the Raiders come in. They don’t need to bet the farm here.
Coleman’s trade value is likely at an all-time low - we’re talking about a potential sixth-round pick or even less. That’s a low-risk swing on a 22-year-old receiver with high-end traits and a second-round pedigree.
He’s younger than some of the rookies entering the 2026 draft class, and he’s already got two years of NFL experience under his belt.
For Las Vegas, this is the kind of calculated gamble that makes a ton of sense. Coleman wouldn’t be asked to carry the offense.
He’d have time to develop behind Adams and work his way into a defined role. And if he hits?
Suddenly, the Raiders have a young, physical receiver who can win in the red zone and give Mendoza a big target on the outside.
It’s also worth noting that Coleman’s skill set pairs well with what the Raiders are trying to build. With a young quarterback likely under center, having a wideout who can make contested catches and bail out less-than-perfect throws is a huge asset. Coleman’s frame and body control could offer exactly that.
A No-Brainer Move
Look, not every former second-round pick turns into a star. But when a player with Coleman’s profile becomes available at a bargain-bin price, you don’t overthink it.
You pick up the phone. You ask what it would take.
And if the answer is something like a Day 3 pick? You make the deal and see what happens.
The Raiders are in a position where they need to take some smart swings. This one checks all the boxes: low cost, high upside, and a clear opportunity for a fresh start. Keon Coleman may not have found his fit in Buffalo, but Las Vegas could be the place where it all clicks.
And if it does? The Raiders won’t just have found a steal - they’ll have added a key piece to their offensive future.